As the chairman, DeRoma said he will “(be) the head person of the board to oversee the governance of the foundation and to guide in the strategic planning.” (Courtesy/Twitter)

University of Connecticut alumnus Nick DeRoma was recently elected onto the American Liver Foundation (ALF) National Board of Directors, according to a recent press release.

DeRoma graduated from UConn in 1968 with a degree in finance, after changing his major “five times,” he said. In addition to his UConn education, he holds degrees from the Harvard Business School, as well as William & Mary Law School in Virginia.

DeRoma will now serve as the chairman of the board after ten years of involvement in the ALF. According to the press release, DeRoma has served on the National Board of Directors for the ALF for ten years, and is also a member of the Executive Committee and the co-chair of the Audit Committee.

The ALF, according to its website, aims to “facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.”

DeRoma plans on achieving that mission statement, he said.

"I am very honored to serve as the new chairman of the National Board of Directors,” DeRoma said. “I look forward to continuing our commitment to supporting and offering hope to millions of people affected by liver disease.”

As the chairman, DeRoma said he will “(be) the head person of the board to oversee the governance of the foundation and to guide in the strategic planning.”

DeRoma first became involved with the ALF after he was diagnosed with hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. He was treated and cured by Dr. James Boyer at Yale-New Haven Hospital, DeRoma said..

“Dr. Boyer saved my life and I am eternally grateful for his care,” DeRoma said.

In 1976 Boyer helped found the ALF. He invited DeRoma to help in the efforts of the organization in order to bring awareness to the disease. DeRoma said it was “my way of giving back.”

The ALF, as posted on its website, hosts a number of fundraising events each year to raise money for the continual treatment and cure of those suffering from liver disease. Donations can be made online at www.liverfoundation.org.

Luke Hajdasz is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at luke.hajdasz@uconn.edu.